Excursions around Stavanger
If you are visiting Norway and looking for a destination that perfectly encapsulates Scandinavian culture- both historical and modern, then look no further than Stavanger!
Stavanger is the fourth largest city in Norway and brimming with things both old and new.
If you’re interested in learning about some of the once-in-a-lifetime excursions you can take in Stavanger, then keep reading! We’ll be going over the highlights here.
Pulpit Rock
Nearby is the world-renowned Preikestolen which in English translates to “the pulpit” or “the preacher’s chair.” It’s not hard to see where this rock formation gets its name.
The Pulpit Rock is a steep cliff that reaches a little over 600 meters in height above the glorious Lysefjorden. Pictures really can’t capture the magnitude of this formation and it will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience to witness for yourself.
There are plenty of tours directly from Stavanger to this landmark. Note that hiking up to Pulpit Rock is not for the faint of heart and may be a difficult climb if you are inexperienced. However, it is well worth it.
To catch a different view of Pulpit Rock, consider taking a boat cruise down the fjord Lysefjorden. From here, you can enjoy the beauty of the gorgeous fjord and look up at the rock.
Stavanger Cathedral
For a true piece of history, enjoy the beautiful Stavanger Cathedral. This is actually the oldest cathedral in Norway and has been in continuous use for nearly 1,000 years. It is the only cathedral to keep its original architecture from the Middle Ages.
Since the Stavanger Cathedral is located centrally right next to the harbor, this historic site is perfect for a day of sightseeing.
Stavanger Museum
If you are visiting Stavanger, then be sure to set aside an entire day to view the extensive Stavanger Museum. There is perhaps no better way to understand Stavanger’s unique history than through the many exhibits and rooms of the Stavanger Museum.
Located within the Stavanger Museum are the following:
- Stavanger museum of natural history
- Stavanger art museum
- Norwegian printing museum
- Norwegian canning museum
- Stavanger school museum
The museum itself is over one hundred years old with different departments and museums being added since 1877. We particularly recommend the art museum! With over 2,000 works of art made primarily from artists in Norway, this one is a must-see.
Gamle Stavanger
For a quaint window directly into history, wander on over to Gamle Stavanger. This area of the city has been preserved and is filled with historic wooden houses that were built throughout the 18th and 19th centuries.
There is a rather heroic tale behind the name of this area of Stavanger. It is said that in World War II, the plan was to knock these wooden houses down in favor of concrete buildings. One person spoke up against it and it was preserved from then on.
ETours-Ryfylke
One of the best reasons to visit Norway is the unique scenery and landscapes that you can only experience in this region!
One way to take in all of this beauty is through an e-tour. On ETours-Ryfylke, you’ll have the opportunity to drive through this wild terrain through the use of a tiny electric car. These eco-friendly cars are built for two and are the perfect way to spend a full day out in the countryside.
With this option, you’re able to enjoy the magnificent landscapes while remaining environmentally friendly.
Incredible Excursions Around Stavanger
You’ll get a true taste of Norwegian and Scandinavian culture when you visit the city of Stavanger. Not only will you have the opportunity to visit historical sites and breathtaking landscapes, Stavanger is also filled with outstanding food options and friendly locals!
